Art has always been taught at South Dakota State University. The earliest courses of study required women students to take drawing and painting, and drawing appeared in all curricula for men. Later more courses in art education, fine arts, and visual arts developed, through the Department of Art. / The Department of Visual Arts courses are designed to provide students with studio and lecture experiences in art regardless of their major. For students wishing to pursue careers as artists, art educators, or designers, the programs offer the background for careers after graduation or further advanced study. Students may pursue a Visual Arts degree with concentrations in art education, graphic design, fine arts and general art. / South Dakota State University established the School of Design July 1st, 2015 by bringing together art, design, and architecture studies formerly housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences, and the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.

The Veterinary Science Department provides advising services to students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum and offers courses in the biomedical sciences for undergraduate and graduate majors in related sciences. The department also offers several graduate research assistantship positions in microbiology, virology, and molecular biology for students majoring in other departments. Active research programs in diseases of food-producing animals support graduate training. / The State of South Dakota does not have a professional College of Veterinary Medicine. A pre-veterinary medicine curriculum is offered which allows students to obtain prerequisites for application of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in other states. Students may meet requirements in two or three years of pre-veterinary study. Many students complete a major for the Bachelor of Science Degree before entering the professional curriculum of Veterinary Medicine. Many degree options are available to students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum, but popular choices include Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, and Dairy Science. Students typically select a BS option late in their freshman year or during their sophomore year. / In 2011, the department changed its name to the Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Department. The new name better reflects the activities of the department, especially relative to the research work with zoonotic pathogens and the training of its students under the One Health concept. / The department has always had a strong mission related to preparing undergraduate students for entry into veterinary colleges within the region, training graduate students for careers related to veterinary or human infectious disease research or careers in diagnostic medicine, and providing public service through South Dakota’s only animal health diagnostic laboratory, the SD Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL).

The Engineering Resource Center, established in 1986, exists to serve the university, citizens, and industry in South Dakota. Complementary outreach and/or technology transfer programs combine to make up the center. Thus, the knowledge gained from one ... »

Faculty meetings were held fairly regularly at South Dakota State University for the vast majority of its history. The president called together faculty, and proceeded to inform them of happenings both on campus and off. In the early years, these meetings were more than mere informational sessions. Faculty made decisions about policies and procedures, in addition to learning about things of import. As the college grew, however, meetings such as these became impossible to hold, and decision-making bodies like the Council of Deans evolved. Meetings were still held for informational needs however. / By the late 1940's, faculty seemed no longer satisfied with mere faculty meetings. Although they continued to attend the meetings, other campus organizations such as Faculty Association evolved to become advocates for the faculty. By the mid 1960's, even this group was not enough, and the Academic Senate began to form. According to President Emeritus H. M. Briggs, by this point in time the regular faculty meeting was more like a town meeting than anything else, with anyone who wanted to, showing up and eventually speaking. Attendance was not required, and the meetings were purely informational. By the early 1970's, meetings ceased to be held monthly, and were instead held each semester and as needed.

Dr. Helen Johnson Van Zante (1906-1990), a distinguished scientist and pioneering developer of the home microwave oven, grew up on a farm in Brookings County, SD. She attended South Dakota State College [SDSC] where she graduated with a degree in mathematics. Later, she pursued advanced graduate work in physics at Iowa State University, which was very unusual study for a woman in the 1930s, where she completed a doctor's degree. While at SDSC, she studied traditional studio arts with Professor Ada B. Caldwell, which led to a lifelong avocation as a painter of still life, landscape, and genre subjects. Dr. Van Zante bequeathed a collection of her paintings to the Department of Visual Arts following a retrospective exhibition in the Ritz Gallery in 1987. / Dr. Van Zante received an honorary doctorate from South Dakota State University in 1987. In 1989, Van Zante received recognition from the South Dakota Board of Regents as a Centennial Alumni. She also established the substantial Van Zante Endowment to support visiting professors on such subjects as housing, home furnishings, and household technology, which the Interior Design program in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences developed along with the Department of Visual Arts. This endowment supports the Van Zante Visiting Professorships in the Visual Arts and Design Forums in Interior Design at South Dakota State University. The visiting professorship brings artists to the university campus for annual design forums, allowing students the opportunity to learn first-hand from working artists.

From January 1921 to June 1939, students of Home Economics at South Dakota State College were required to live in a Practice Cottage. This taught the students management of household operations. During this period, a baby was obtained from orphanages for the students to care for. The care of a child was considered a vital part of the student's training in their practical experience. In 1939, when the nursery school program was added to the home economics curriculum the practice of having a child live in the house was discontinued. / Home Management eventually became Family Resource and Management and a new complex was built in the 1970's.

The Global Studies major and minor were first offered at South Dakota State University in 2004. It is an interdisciplinary program to give students a wide variety of classes and background. This program is designed to produce graduates who are globally literate, open to diverse societies and cultures, and skilled in a modern, foreign language. / This program seeks to provide students with an up-to-date understanding of the components of global studies, appraisals of the current status of global events, and job opportunities in small international businesses, global corporations, various governmental agencies within the United States and abroad, non-governmental organizations and others. A primary objective of this program is to provide global citizen training and general learning essential for understanding and appreciating the relationship of the individual to the world community. / Global Studies is now offered through the Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies.

A Graduate Council of nine members elected from the Graduate Faculty assists the Graduate Dean. The council includes the Graduate Dean (chair); one member each from Animal Sciences, Biological Sciences, Education and Counseling, Engineering Sciences, Health Sciences, Physical Sciences, Plant Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. The Dean of the Library serves as an ex-officio member.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) granted its first Master of Science degree in 1891. The first Master of Education degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree were granted in 1958. A committee supervised all graduate work until 1957, when the Graduate School was established. / The Graduate School operates as one unit with no departments or department heads. The Graduate School is committed to providing an atmosphere for qualified students to obtain rigorous advance education in a variety of fields in preparation for service and leadership in their professions and society. It also promotes scholarly pursuits and scientific research for the advancement of knowledge within a climate of freedom of inquiry. The Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Education degrees are offered in approximately 30 majors. The Doctor of Philosophy is offered in agronomy; animal science; atmospheric, environmental, and water resources; biological sciences, chemistry; and sociology. The Master of Science Teaching degree was discontinued July 1, 1996, and no new students were admitted after that date. / The graduate faculty is composed of the university president, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration, graduate dean, college deans, heads of departments in which graduate courses are given and other faculty, chosen on the basis of their training and experience, in accordance with the policies of the Graduate School. The Graduate Faculty acts on all matters of policy and standards. In addition, individual Graduate Faculty are authorized to serve as adviser to graduate students or, on their examining committees and to teach courses for graduate credit.

The Greek Council is the governing body of the Greek system at South Dakota State University. The Council develops and enforces policies, which help ensure a healthy future for the system. The Council also coordinates educational programs, Greek Week, an all-campus philanthropy project, and other activities. Men's fraternities recognized at South Dakota State University in 1999 are Alpha Gamma Rho, FarmHouse, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Delta and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Women's sororities recognized at South Dakota State University in 1999 are Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, and Ceres.

The Non-Traditional Student Program office coordinates the activities and advising needs of non-traditional students, or any students who have had a break in their education or who are slightly older than traditional students. Facilities offered to these students included a lounge, advising assistance, and eligibility to participate in the Non-Traditional Students Club. The program and the club were both formalized in the mid-1970's (Club, April, 1976), with the program being the presiding office for the club.

The Office of Admissions deals with enrollment, and admission and transfer evaluation.

The Office of International Affairs serves as the administrative unit at SDSU where programs and activities designed to assist the entire university and its constituents in gaining an international perspective are initiated, coordinated, and managed. / The Office of International Affairs was established in 1988 as the Office of International Programs with Dr. David Hilderbrand as its first director. Dr. Hilderbrand served until fall 1993, when he was appointed Director of SDSU Sioux Falls Programs. During Dr. Hilderbrand's tenure, it concluded its first international agreements, establishing exchanges with Yunnan Normal University, in Kunming, China; with Chungnam National University, in Taejeon, South Korea; and with Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England, among others. / In November 1993, Associate Professor Harriet Swedlund became Acting Director of International Programs and later, in May 1994, became Director. She served in that capacity until her retirement from SDSU in fall 2003. Under Swedlund, OIA saw dramatic growth, both in numbers of students and faculty traveling internationally, as well as in the number and scope of international agreements concluded with overseas partner institutions. During her nearly 10 years of service to OIA, she oversaw the development of agreements with more than a dozen different international institutions and with two consortia partners: the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) and the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA). / The Office of International Affairs third and current director is Dr. Karl J. Schmidt. Trained in international affairs and history with a specialty in Asia, Dr. Schmidt came to SDSU in September 2003 from Missouri Southern State University, where he was Associate Professor of History and International Studies. Holding a joint appointment between the MSSU Department of History and the Institute of International Studies, Dr. Schmidt taught courses in the history of India and China, as well as international studies, and developed both summer study programs and faculty seminars to India. Under the current director, SDSU has seen an increase in the number of semester-abroad students, and has joined the American Council on Education's Internationalization Collaborative, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). / The Office of International Programs officially changed its name to the Office of International Affairs in September 2005 to better reflect the diversity of its activities.

The Records and Registration office maintains official records on enrollment, biographical student data, grades, credits, and degrees conferred. This office administers registration and assesses tuition and fees and prepares and sends transcripts when written, signed requests are received from students. They process enrollment verification and check for athletic eligibility. It is their responsibility to prepare semester schedules, assign classrooms; supply reports and analysis of enrollment, grades and other scholastic matters. The Registrar coordinates with college deans the procedure for clearing candidates for graduation and submitting candidate lists; and assists with the graduation ceremonies.

The Financial Aid Office administers student financial assistance programs, including federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and governmental agency awards—BIA, Veterans Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc. Approximately 80% of the South Dakota State University students attending full-time receive some type of financial assistance to help pay their educational costs. The Financial Aid Office determines educational costs.

In February of 1942, the Regents of Education of South Dakota adopted a plan for the college organization to be changed to from a Junior and Senior College Division. The functions of the Junior College Division included student personnel services, Senior College preparatory curricula, and terminal curricula. Raymond Y. Chapman was employed as the Director of this Division. In 1949, the Junior College organization was abandoned as such and the Division of Student Personnel Services was organized with Chapman as Dean. As the college grew and administrations changed, the responsibilities of the Division of Student Personnel Services increasingly enlarged and the several student personnel services on the campus were centralized in the Division of Student Personnel Services. This centralization was an apparent effort to reduce the number of individual departments reporting directly to the president of the college and place certain responsibilities in a more limited number of offices and officials. In 1969, an Associate Dean of Student Personnel Services was appointed in order to prepare for the retirement of R.Y. Chapman, who had been Dean since the Division was established in 1949. Plans also began for the reorganization of the Division into a comprehensive Student Services Division. New programs and revised procedures were initiated during 1970. The Division was again reorganized in 1986 and the name was changed to Student Affairs Division. This name remains today. / Until 1958, the Dean of the Division of Student Personnel Services was primarily responsible for determination of administrative policy and program direction of the division and was advised by the president of the college and the Administrative Council together with the actions and recommendations by the faculty and department heads. The Committee on Student Personnel Services also advised the dean. This committee, which was appointed by the president, was chaired by the dean and consisted of the Dean of Women, Dean of Men, Director of Student Activities, Director of Housing, Director of Food Services, the college nurse, and student personnel. This committee served as a policy-recommending group and on a consulting basis until the 1958-60 biennium when the committee was abandoned. Beginning in 1958, staff meetings including representatives of all phases of Student Personnel Services were initiated to facilitate communications within the division. / The Student Affairs Division provides services and activities, which are designed to help the student gain the greatest benefit from their university education. This purpose has been reflected in the annual and biennial reports throughout the years. / Many functions are controlled within the framework of the Student Affairs Division. These functions are: testing services, student counseling services, orientation of new students, administration of the General Registration program, terminal course program, in-service training of faculty counselors, educational research and measurement, teaching of counselor practicum course, veterans records, loans and scholarships, and placement of students (part- and full-time). Responsibilities of the Student Affairs Division that have been handled primarily by the dean over the years are freshman and New Student Week, Student Personnel Records, General Registration, and Terminal Curricula. / Some functions are controlled cooperatively within the framework of the Student Affairs Division and outside agencies. These functions are student health services, student housing, student activities, food services, admissions and records activities, and high school relations activities.

The Department of Residential Life administers programs and facilities for all on-campus housing. Residence halls at South Dakota State University are living/learning centers where students are challenged to develop as individuals, as well as to study and to meet other students. All unmarried students are required to enter into residence hall and food service contracts with the University. Students who have completed four semesters of full time enrollment or who are two or more years beyond graduation from high school are excused from these requirements. Family student housing and some apartments are available at the University. The Department of Residential Life offices also administer the university food service. The University Food Service is committed to provide a food service program at SDSU that is both economical and of the highest quality. SDSU's food service program utilizes a computer-based declining cash balance system, uniquely designed to help students manage their individual food service accounts. All SDSU students living in residence halls are required to purchase at least a Base meal plan. Other students, faculty, and staff may voluntarily purchase discounted food programs at established rates.

As part of the Graduate School, the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provides services to the University community in the areas of research development and external funding for research, scholarship, creative activities, and other sponsored projects. South Dakota State University is committed to excellence in both basic and applied research, as well as other scholarly and creative activities associated with the University's mission. An effort is maintained to discover new ideas, processes, and developments that will expand and strengthen the state's industrial and agricultural economy. Research and scholarly activities are considered integral, essential, and traditional parts of university life involving faculty, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. The research program provides an atmosphere of encouragement for these activities in all segments of the institution. / Some services and activities of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs include maintaining a database on the expertise and research interests of investigators, and obtaining and disseminating information on sponsoring agencies and funding opportunities using a large grants database to identify appropriate funding sources. It also facilitates interdisciplinary projects, supports research project and grant application development through seminars and workshops for investigators, and provides individual assistance in the preparation and submission of grant applications. ORSP facilitates administrative review and submission of grant applications and contract proposals, insures that grant applications conform to University policies and comply with federal regulations, and negotiates with funding agencies on terms and conditions for grants and agreements. Finally, ORSP is a point of contact for external funding agencies, maintains records of pending applications, and tracks the status of proposals.

The Publications Council served as the advisory board for all publications that appeared on the South Dakota State College campus. This Council consisted of two faculty members named by the President of the University, student members (the editors and business managers of the Collegian and the Jackrabbit), the editor or business manager of each of the other recognized student publications, and other members named by the Board of Control. This Council had charge of the affairs connected with the Collegian and the Jackrabbit and had supervision of the other student publications as provided in the constitution. / Any individual, group or organization wishing to start a new publication or program had to first secure the approval of the Council. The Publications Council along with the Board of Control also had the power to control the kind of advertising that appeared in every student publication. Other duties of the Publications Council were to recommend applications for major publications jobs, such as an engraver for the Jackrabbit, and vote on contracts for such jobs. / Another duty of the Publications Council was to nominate and recommend candidates for the business manager and managing editor of the Jackrabbit and the Collegian. Applications from students in the incoming Junior or senior classes were submitted to the Council. The applications for editor of the Collegian were accompanied by at least three original editorials and three news articles written by the applicants. A candidate for the Collegian editor also had to have at least one year's experience on the Collegian staff. Applicants for both the Collegian and the Jackrabbit had to satisfy the scholastic requirements of the college at the time of their selection. The Council forwarded their recommendation of two candidates for each position to the Board of Control who selected the managing editor and business manager. The Council also recommended to the Board of Control what salaries were paid to the staffs of the publications under its control. / The council appears to have been dissolved around 1970. Today, there is a Media Council that serves the same basic duty as advisory board and advocate for Collegian, Jackrabbit Yearbook and KSDJ Radio Station.

The main duties of the Scholastic Standards Committee were to approve all curricula, including all course changes; recommend graduate requirements to the faculty; establish student trip policy; establish minimum standards in communication skills; be in charge of scholastic probation; and act as an advisory committee to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

The Remnant Trust is a public educational foundation that shares an actively growing collection of original and first edition works dealing with the topics of liberty and dignity with some pieces dates as early at 1250. The Trust made this collection available to South Dakota State University for use by students, faculty, scholars, and the general public. Those exposed were encouraged to touch, feel, and read the originals. The titles were loaned to South Dakota State University during the fall semester of 2005. Fifty titles were housed in the SDSU Archives & Special Collections department in Hilton M. Briggs Library.

The purpose of the SDSU Advisory Council was to bring about a clearer understanding of the objectives, activities, problems and needs of South Dakota State University as related to the needs of the State of South Dakota. / The primary function of the council was to consult with the university administration concerning objectives, problems and needs of the university, to study such subjects from the point of view of the citizens and the public welfare, and to place its conclusions before the university administration and through appropriate channels to the citizens of the state. / This council did not operate as a legislative lobby, nor did it supplant any existing organization concerned with special phases of the college activities. / The Advisory Council comprised of members from all over the state representing many forms of business.

When World War I broke out in 1917, students began leaving college for the service. After November 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, many of the discharged servicemen found their way back to the college campus. The people and the Legislature of South Dakota felt there was a responsibility of the state to give these people financial assistance. The South Dakota Legislature of 1919 passed what become known as the "Veteran's Free Tuition Law," with appropriation of $15,000 to pay the veterans tuition. This support continued through 1920. / On December 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II. A large number of the students were once again leaving college and going into military service. While crucial battles of the war still raged on the world fronts, the first servicemen began appearing on the campus during the spring of 1944. The G.I. Bill (Public Law 346) became effective June 22, 1944. Under this law, veterans who met eligibility requirements could receive education or training at government expense, readjustment allowances for unemployment and self-employment, and guaranteed or insured loans for homes, farms, or businesses. The G.I. Bill benefited millions of veterans in their efforts to readjust successfully to postwar living. The education and training program reached its cut-off point on July 25, 1951. Only veterans actually in training on that date or those who had interrupted their training for valid reasons were allowed to continue afterward. Under the program, WWII veterans could go to school or college, or train on-the-job or on the farm, with the Government paying all expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies. G.I. Bill training for WWII veterans came to an end in 1956. On July 16, 1952, a new G.I. Bill was passed, providing benefits for veterans who served during the Korean conflict period. / The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Public Law 16) came into effect on March 24, 1943. It provided an opportunity for disabled WWII veterans to train for jobs that they could hold. Veterans training under this act received the same rates of subsistence as those under the G.I. Bill. Disabled veterans were able to start training any time after discharge, but had to complete it by July 25, 1956. / South Dakota State University had many students who were affected by the passage of the above laws. The Veterans Advising office was set up following World War II to assist the veterans in making the transition to college, as well as assist them with paperwork and monetary support.

The Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center is located in the College of Engineering. Formerly names the Northern Great Plains Water Resources Research Center, this center conducts research, education and outreach activities through principal investigators who are faculty members in the Engineering College. Projects are funded by governmental agencies, cities and industries, and are focused on engineering solutions to water resources and environmental problems. These solutions often require collaboration with other university departments or off-campus units. The research center also maintains an environmental chemistry laboratory in Crothers Engineering Hall in conjunction with the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. The laboratory supports research projects, environmental engineering courses and outreach activities. / The mission of the Center is to enhance the habitability and economic development of the Northern Great Plains through multidisciplinary research of the region's vast water and related land resources. The center supports this mission through the conduct of engineering and related research on significant issues affecting water resources by focusing on various disciplines in higher education such as agriculture, health and social sciences, law, chemistry, and biology in partnership with engineering, to assure a critical mass of researchers working to foster multi- and interdisciplinary work on the conservation, development, management and use of water and related land resources.

The University Program Council is dedicated to enhancing student engagement and student leadership through providing diverse, educational, and entertaining programs. While striving for personal development, UPC instills a sense of community for the student body. The University Program Council is designed to serve as the primary programming organization at SDSU and is composed of various committees for programs and special projects or events. As a recognized student organization at SDSU, UPC is funded through student fees and some program revenue. The 11 student leaders who make up the program board work year-round to provide educational, social, recreational, and cultural programs for the benefit of the South Dakota State University community.

The Student Union and Activities office manages the University Student Union and co-curricular programming for students to develop leadership abilities, increase cultural awareness, and provide recreational activities. / Services provided by the department include the Leisure Skills Center (billiards, video arcade, banner making, rental of camping and cross country ski equipment, off-campus housing), Information Exchange (check cashing, fax service, ticket sales), Technical Services (lighting, staging, and sound for events), and Central Reservations. The Student Enrichment Programs office provides advisement and support for the University Program Council, which includes arts, community service, concerts, Hobo Day, lectures and forums, publicity and graphics, recreation and travel, Showcase, and special events, the Greek system, and all student organizations; as well as the coordination of the New Student Orientation Program. / Other student organizations and services housed in the Union are the Collegian / Jackrabbit publications, Students' Association, the campus radio station (KSDJ 90.7), and Student Legal Services.

The Executive Vice President for Administration provides leadership and supervision for the support, service, and administrative units on campus. Overall responsibilities include financial management, personnel services, buildings and grounds, student services, legal affairs, public relations, policy development, campus planning, and support for alumni and foundation affairs.

The Honors College at South Dakota State University began in the fall of 1999. President Peggy Gordon Elliott wanted to change the then honors program into something more prestigious. She invited Harriet Swedlund and Bob Burns to investigate other honors programs at various colleges and universities, and then develop a program for SDSU. / The College was designed to reflect the characteristics of SDSU faculty and student body. It provides highly motivated students with the opportunity to pursue the challenging and flexible honors course study as they simultaneously work toward a degree in any major. The program represents South Dakota State University's further commitment to rewarding academic excellence, encouraging campus involvement, and developing academic enrichment programs for students. / Students enrolled in the Honors College have the chance to work in smaller class settings without having to sacrifice involvement with other students. It is an opportunity to pursue a more demanding curriculum while having an equal opportunity to share in the full benefits of university life. In turn, the presence of the Honors College students motivates all SDSU students and faculty to achieve at a higher level. / The mission of the South Dakota State University Honors College is supporting the highest quality academic and enrichment opportunities for motivated and academically suited undergraduate students. The Honors College features carefully designed, yet flexible, curricula and attention for enrichment experiences that instill a sense of pride in academic accomplishment, promote a high level of global awareness, support an understanding of cultural diversity, enhance communication skills and contribute to a lifetime commitment to serving community needs. The Honors College is dedicated to the operational principles of flexibility, accommodation, inclusiveness and revision to meet changing conditions.

Rhea Beryl DeHaven Stewart was born on September 2, 1899 in Linden, Iowa, to Albert and Eva DeHaven. The first years of Beryl's life were spent in Iowa, after which she homesteaded with her parents near Capa, South Dakota in 1907. In 1915, she and her family moved to Wessington, SD, which remained her home for most of her life. / In the fall of 1915, Beryl started teaching when she was drafted from high school to teach a group of 26 pupils in a rural school. In 1926, she completed her high school work at Northern States Teachers' college in Aberdeen, SD. She later took a teacher's course there and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She was a student assistant in various departments while she attended college. She was a member of Kappa Delta Phi and Pi Kappa Delta, national societies, Beaux Arts Club and the Pasque Board. She also participated in forensics, dramatics and stagecraft activities. / In 1927, she accepted a position at Roosevelt Junior High in Aberdeen, SD. In the spring of that year, she took over the English and artwork in the new Simmons Junior High School. In 1930, she was made Director of the English Department at Central High School in Aberdeen. She taught English and dramatic courses and was adviser to the Drama Club and Word Craft, a publication initiated by Stewart and produced by students of the high school. / In 1932, Beryl was granted a Master of Arts degree from the State University of Iowa. Her major field of study was English literature. / On January 24, 1943, she married Chase David Stewart. She gave up her career as a teacher to become a farm homemaker. They resided near Wessington, SD. / Beryl Stewart was a long-time contributor of poetry and prose to many publications. She was a member of the South Dakota Press Women and the National League of American Pen Women, serving the latter as state president. Her writings were awarded prizes in national competitions, poetry magazines and in South Dakota State Fair Literature contests. Her name appears in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in South Dakota and International Who's Who in Poetry. / Although Mrs. Stewart left her career as a teacher to become a farm homemaker, she retained her interest in education by serving on the South Dakota Board of Education from 1947 to 1959. She was also a member of President Eisenhower's Conference on Education in 1955. After her husband's death in February 1960, Mrs. Stewart returned to teaching English at Sioux Falls College. / Beryl DeHaven Stewart died on September 20, 1961.

Ora Blanche Fryer Swenning was born February 23, 1882 in Michigan to John H. and Imogen Swenehart. On February 5, 1972, Ora Fryer Swenning died in Pipestone, Minnesota.

Joseph and Winifred (Catlett) Swering married in 1918. They began their newlywed life in Brookings until Joseph began working for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA, and from there they moved to Buffalo, NY. The Catlett family built an expansive home in Brookings, South Dakota in 1902. While the family lived there, both Winifred and her sister, Margaruite help their weddings in the home. The Catlett home was also host to many social events while the family lived there. Eventually, the house was transformed into a living space of students attending South Dakota State College.

Valerian Three Irons, was an American Indian Studies professor and Diversity Association at South Dakota State University from 1997 to 2011.

Born August 22, 1888 to John E and Mary M. (McLees) Underwood in Bryant, South Dakota, Loto Rollinstahl Underwood was the one of four daughters, (in birth order) Ethel, Genevieve, Loto, and Beatrice, the latter three of whom attended South Dakota State College. In 1882, her parents emigrated from Canada and lived in Garfield township, Hamlin County, SD, where John was in the hardware business. Lotto attended South Dakota State College where she was a member of the Athenian Society. On July 28, 1913, Loto married Orland Emilie White. On April 21, 1968, Loto Underwood White died in Charlottesville, Virginia nursing home.

Born April 26, 1906, Verl Thomson was a South Dakota broadcaster who worked for the first broadcast radio station in Sioux Falls in 1924 and later went on to be an announcer and program director for KSOO, KELO, and an announcer for NBC in Chicago. He began KSID in 1948 and sold the station in 1966. From 1962 to 1987 he was the executive director for the South Dakota Broadcasters Association. Thomson passed away July 7, 1989.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established the National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber on November 4, 1965 on which Sherwood O. Berg served as chairperson. President Johnson instructed the Commission to make an appraisal of agricultural and foreign trade policies; to conduct a study of the effects of agricultural policies on the performance of the economy and foreign relations; and to prepare a report, which would serve as a guide for future decisions and policies The work of the Commission was initially divided into six major areas: 1. Production and consumption trends and potentials in the world, 2. Policies for commercial agriculture, 3. Policies for the non-commercial sector of agriculture, 4. Policies for forestry and natural resources development, 5. Agricultural trade and foreign economic policies; and 6. The role of agriculture in world economic development. Five commissioners with staff and consultants were assigned to each area. / The full-time staff was small and included professional economists on leave from universities, from the federal government and from business. They were augmented by a group of consultants and experts from both the public and private sector. The Commissions research and study took many forms. Surveys were conducted; existing information was analyzed; position papers were prepared. The Commission was briefed by leading authorities and experts, and public hearings were held throughout the country. / The full Commission met 13 times over a period of 18 months for two or three days each time. At these meetings, the Commissioners heard testimony from leading authorities and experts and engaged in group discussions. The staff and consultants who later proposed recommendations prepared analyses and materials focusing on specific issues. / The Commission was made up of 31 members who represented agriculture, economics and labor throughout the United States. The chairperson was Sherwood O. Berg, who was Dean of the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota at the time. The remaining members were Harry B. Caldwell, Willard W. Cochrane, C.W. Cook, George C. Cortright, Woodrow W. Diehl, Edmund H. Fallon, Carl C. Farrington, Frank Fernbach, Roscoe G. Haynie, Fred V. Heinkel, Roy Hendrickson, William A. Hewitt, George K. Hislop, J.G. Horsfall, Herbert J. Hughes, D. Gale Johnson, Herman S. Kohlmeyer, Robert Magowan, L.L. Males, Edward F. Mauldin, Paul Miller, W.B. Murphy, Ernest J. Nesius, Leon Schachter, Janice M. Smith, Lauren Soth, Jesse Tapp, Jay Taylor, Herman Wells, and John Wheeler.

Hugh Warren was born December 3, 1922 in Huron, SD, to Charles Parker and Angie Warren. Hugh attended South Dakota State College in Brookings, and the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, where he majored in History. His college years were interrupted by four years of service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WW II. While serving in the Army, Hugh went to Radio Repair School with overseas service to England, France and Germany. After the war Hugh attended library school at the University of California at Berkeley.Hugh married his wife Lois married on August 11, 1951. After working in Chicago at the Chicago Public Library and in Midland, Michigan, at the Dow Memorial Library, Hugh was employed at the St. Joseph County Public Library as Personnel Services Administrator from 1963 until his retirement in 1988. He and Lois lived in South Bend for more than 40 years. Hugh was very active in the South Bend Lions Club and served as its president for a term. On April 11, 2015, Hugh Parker Warren (92) died in South Bend, Indiana.

Robert Todd Wagner was born October 30, 1932. He earned a degree in philosophy from Augustana College in 1954. He and Mary Mumford, a native of Howard, married that same year before moving to Evanston, Ill., where he was a student at the Seabury Western Theological Seminary. The couple eventually moved back to South Dakota, where Robert earned his Ph.D. at South Dakota State University, and Mary a master’s degree in social sciences in 1974 and a Ph. D. in sociology in 1978. / Wagner first joined the university in 1971 as an assistant professor of rural sociology, and he earned “legendary” status through his Marriage 250 class. The class enrolled almost 1,200 students a year in three sections, filling every seat in Rotunda D, the largest classroom on campus. / Wagner served two years as an assistant to the vice president for academic affairs and spent a year as vice president and chief administrator at Dakota State University in Madison before he was called back to SDSU to assume the university presidency. A position he held from 1985-1997. / Wagner led SDSU from a controversial era into a decidedly more tranquil time. His quiet attention to the internal workings of the college, rather than external politics, worked well and resulted in a great deal of growth. Despite constant budget problems under his administration, the campus expanded by more than 380,000 square feet. Twenty-two faculty were added, and technology became a major factor in the university. The College of Education and Counseling was formed, and many buildings were built, including Berg and Bailey Apartments, the Animal Disease Research, and the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory. / His wife, Mary, was also an SDSU staffer as well as a member of the Brookings school board and a Republican legislator for 12 years. She died in 2004. / In 2010, SDSU renamed its Nursing, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Arts and Sciences building in honor of the Wagner’s. The South Dakota Board of Regents approved the name change. / A scholar as well as a popular teacher, Wagner was the author of 64 publications and chaired numerous academic committees.

Born July 7, 1895 in Sully County (SD) to Benton and Harriette L. (Hunt) Doner, David “Dave” Benton Doner became known as “Mr. State College” because he spent almost his entire life (42 years) in association with SDSU, dedicating his efforts to its furtherance. / He had four brothers (Ralph D., John C, Harold H, and Howard M) and one sister, Ruth L. (John) Evans. On April 24, 1918, he married Edna Pearl Beals, with whom he had three children: Valeria (Paul) Marcil, Dean Doner, and Keith Doner. Edna Doner died in 1975. / In 1913, David Doner arrived at SDSC, a member of the first four-year class to be graduated from its School of Agriculture (for high school age students). In 1918, his freshman college year was interrupted by WWI. In 1919 and 1920, he taught agriculture to returning soldiers at SDSC. In 1920, he became assistant secretary of the College, while working on his B.S. degree, which he received in 1928. From 1922 to 1953, he was the SDSC Registrar; in 1953, he became director of Admissions and Records. In 1932, he became the Dean of Men. From 1936 to 1961, he was Secretary of the alumni council, where he was editor of the Alumnus. From its inception in 1945 until 1964, he was the Treasurer of the SDSC Alumni Foundation, which awarded him “Distinguished Alumnus” in 1964. He retired in 1964 and lived Apache Junction, AZ. In 1973, SDSU awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Humanities. / David Doner was also active in the community: supervisor of the Boy Scouts training program; member and President of the Brookings (SD) School Board; Sec-Treasurer of the SD State Associated School Boards; District Governor and International Trustee of Kiwanis; and Chair of the finance committee to raise funds to build the Crippled Children’s Hospital and School in Sioux Falls. / David Doner died in September of 1978. / During his career, he served nine SDSU Presidents and signed 12,693 of the diplomas awarded by SDSU. At his final commencement in this role on June 7, 1964, the last diploma he signed was the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree awarded by SDSC to Ray C. Cunningham of Ames, IA. Ray Cunningham (then of Conde, SD) had met David Doner at “the train depot, got me a room and a job and took me under his fatherly wing,” when David first arrived at SDSU from his family’s Potter County farm in November, 1913.

Amy Dunkle worked for nearly two decades in community newspapers as a reporter, news editor, and managing editor. She spent another dozen years as a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, and trade journals, and authored the book, The College on the Hill, an anecdotal history about South Dakota State University. / She is the former communications coordinator for Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR, and has written about scientific research and training supported by the National Science Foundation grant.

Edwin C. Graber is from Freeman, Hutchinson County, South Dakota. Publications include a number of self-published poetry collections and chapbooks.

Charles F. "Fritz" Gritzner was born June 6, 1936 in Fremont, Michigan. He graduated from Mesa, Arizona, High School in 1954. He received in Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Arizona State University in 1958. He received his graduate degrees in geography and cultural anthropology at Louisiana State University. He began college teaching at East Carolina University in 1960, and has taught at Louisiana State University, the University of Montana, Oregon College of Education, and the University of Houston prior to joining the South Dakota State University faculty in 1980. Gritzner taught many undergraduate and graduate courses in geography at South Dakota State University. He has served as thesis or research paper advisor to many successful Master's degree recipients. Throughout his career he has pursued many interests in geographic education. He has conducted several hundred workshops, short courses and institute for in-service educators. He also served as coordinator of the South Dakota Geographic Alliance and the State Geographic Bee. Additionally, he has served as the Geography Consultant, author, and editor for the Core Knowledge Foundation and as Consulting Editor and Frequent author for the Chelsea House Publishers book series on Modern World Nations. Gritzner's research interests include a variety of themes in folk and popular culture and geographic education. He has authored or co-authored several books, and many of his works have appeared as chapters in edited volumes, as well as many refereed publications appearing in numerous professional journals. He also was contributing editor to the "Panorama" feature in the Journal of Geography. Gritzner has served as both Executive Director (1977-1980) and President (1986) of the National Council for Geographic Education, in 1997, he received their highest honor, the George J. Miller Award for Distinguished Service. He also is a recipient of the National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award and the Council's Distinguished Mentor Award for his work with students at the graduate level. Gritzner also received the 2004 Distinguished Teaching Honors Award from the Association of American Geographers. At South Dakota State University, Gritzner has received both the University and F.O. Butler awards for Excellence in Teaching, and in 1993 he became the South Dakota State University's sixth faculty member to be recognized as a Distinguished Professor by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

John P. Hendrickson was born February 17, 1923 in Valley City, North Dakota to Rev. Alfred and Karen (Skorpen) Hendrickson. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 in the United States and Europe. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1947, his master's degree in international relations from the University of Minnesota in 1949, and his doctorate in political science from the University of Iowa in 1952. IN 1951, he married Arlene "Susie" Brogla in Iowa City, Iowa. Before coming to South Dakota State University in 1954, he taught at the University of Iowa and the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. He also performed post-doctoral study at the University of Nebraska and the University of Manitoba. His work at the University of Manitoba resulted in the development of courses on Canadian politics and government at South Dakota State University. / Dr. Hendrickson was noted for a long and distinguished career as a professor of political science at SDSU (1954-1988) and head of the political science department (1967-1988). He also worked with the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission (1969-1975), the Local Government Study Commission, and the State Supreme Court Blue Ribbon Committee. In 1967, he was selected to confer an Honorary Doctor of Science on Vice President Hubert Humphrey. In 1969, he was selected as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the SDSU students, faculty, and alumnae. In 1986, he was recognized by the South Dakota Supreme Court for his service on the Blue-Ribbon Citizen Committee, he received the SDSU Alumni Association's non-alumnus award in 1988 for service to South Dakota and was named Professor Emeritus. He received the Liberty Bell Award from the Brookings County Bar Association in 1989. Dr. Hendrickson was also featured in South Dakota 99, a collection of profiles of 99 distinguished people who were influential in the first 99 years of South Dakota's history. / Following his retirement from SDSU, Dr. Hendrickson was involved in local government. He wrote the Home Rule Charter for Brookings in 1996 and was a member of the Argus Leader Editorial Board. He was also a member of Golden K and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Lawrence Alvin Hunt was born July 22, 1918 in Verdel, Nebraska to Warren and Elizabeth Hunt. Lawrence was a carpenter and cabinet maker. He married E. Jeanne McCartney in 1946. They had three children.

Henry M. Johnson was born to Ole and Beret Johnson on October 5, 1903, on a farm near Baltic, South Dakota. He was baptized at the Old Nidaros Lutheran Church where he was a member. He enjoyed hunting and fishing all of his life. On March 14, 1931 Henry married Inez Ericksonat East Nidaros Lutheran Church. They lived and farmed on the farm of Henry' parents until they retired and moved into the town of Baltic in 1987. Henry and Inez had four children. Odel, Ivan, Dean, and Jerome. Henry died June 4, 1993, at the Dell Rapids Community Hospital.

J.A. Johnson graduated from Brookings High School in 1923 and from South Dakota State College in 1927. He then taught at high schools in Redfield (South Dakota) and Howard (South Dakota) until he joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1941. After World War II, Johnson became the equipment manager for the South Dakota State University Athletic Department, a position he held from 1943 to 1968. He passed away on March 17, 1989.

Gladys Pyle (October 4, 1890 – March 14, 1989) was a South Dakota politician and the first woman elected to the United States Senate without having previously been appointed to her position; she was also the first female senator to serve as a Republican and the first female senator from South Dakota. She was also the first female senator never to marry. / She was born to John and Mamie (Shields) Pyle and graduated from Huron College in 1911. She taught in the public high schools at Miller, Wessington, and Huron from 1912-1918. In 1923 she became first woman member of the State House of Representatives, serving from 1923-1927. Pyle then served as Secretary of State of South Dakota from 1927–1931 and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for governor in 1930, garnering nearly a third of the vote in the primary but losing after seven recounts of the votes. She was a member of the State securities commission from 1931-1933. She engaged in the life insurance business in private life. / Gladys, her mother Mamie, and two sisters were very involved in the Women's Suffrage movement and frequently hosted meetings of the local chapter in their house. / On November 8, 1938 she was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Peter Norbeck. She defeated Tom Berry, a former Democratic Governor of South Dakota. She served from November 9, 1938, to January 3, 1939. / In 1981, Jeanette Kinyon and Jean Walz began to gather research for a biography of Gladys Pyle, a prominent woman in South Dakota politics. They interviewed Miss Pyle and researched books, manuscripts, letters, news stories, editorials, and other interviews. This collection is a small representation of the research gathered for this project.

Oscar E. Simonson was born on August 14, 1913, at Bristol, South Dakota to Simon and Annie (Skudal) Simonson. He attended country school in Union Township, Day County and Bristol High School. After his education, he farmed with his family near Bristol. In the 1930’s, Oscar worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. On June 11, 1938 Oscar married Alice Margaret Bakken. Oscar and Alice Simonson made their home and farmed in Day County for forty years. While living in Webster, Oscar worked at the Farmers Elevator in Holmquist, South Dakota for ten years. Oscar also servie on the board of Sun Dial Manor in Bristol, South Dakota in 1980’s. Oscar Simonson died on March 5, 2014 at Bethesda Home in Webster.

The South Dakota Social Science Association was an organization of professional sociologists and students from colleges and universities in South Dakota. The association sponsored an annual meeting, several annual paper competitions, award ceremonies, and an academic journal. The annual meeting was a place where members could meet, exchange ideas, and present new research or papers in the field of Sociology. This organization became defunct in the 1980's.

In 1887, the Department of Horticulture and Forestry was first established as a unit in the college and the newly organized experiment station. The department was one of the original departments of the college. Early research was involved with windbreak trees, orchard fruits, small fruits, vegetables and ornamental trees and shrubs and was put to practical use throughout South Dakota. Research in horticulture, forestry, and landscape design and parks management has continued to be an integral part of the department throughout the years. In the mid-1980's, the department name was changed to Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks. The Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks offers instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree with majors in horticulture, landscape design, and park management. The department was merged with the Department of Plant Science in the summer of 2011.

Although recognized since the establishment of South Dakota State University as an essential part of a liberal education, foreign language instruction was sporadic and, at times, nonexistent during the early years. Around 1901, Modern Languages became a regular department. French and German programs were developed, but Latin suffered an early demise, disappearing as a college subject after 1909 and from the Preparatory Department after 1911. The years of 1916-1921 were years of great importance. The courses in German and French had good attendance, and the staff was well qualified. Due to World War I, however, German was dropped in 1917 and was not taught again until 1930, consequently, Spanish was introduced. / In the 1950's, a Russian program was initiated and a composite BS Degree in Foreign Languages was approved. The 1960's saw growth of the Department of Modern Languages in both the laboratory and enrollment. A composite BA Degree in Modern Languages was approved and BA and BS Degrees were approved in French, German, Russian and Spanish. In 1969, Russian was dropped and was not taught again until the 1990's. / The Department of Modern Languages & Global Studies has as its primary mission the undergraduate teaching of languages, literature's, and cultures to South Dakota State University students, both as majors and minors, and offering service courses for all other degrees on campus. The department aspires to offer to students the best preparation possible for their future careers in the fields of their choice, so they will be proficient speakers of the target language, cross-culturally competent and critical thinkers. In addition, the department follows a strong tradition of service within the community, the state of South Dakota and beyond. Faculty in the department combine these two areas with research and scholarship in related disciplines, from research on cultural studies and literature, to the scholarship of teaching and learning, to the dissemination of their specialized knowledge to different constituencies, especially language teachers.

Human nutrition and foods courses have been a part of the home economics curriculum since the beginning of South Dakota State University. The earliest cooking courses broadened into foods courses and by 1907, dietetic courses joined the curriculum. By 1918-19, the catalog states that course work prepared students to work in institutions and the cafeterias in the dormitories were used for laboratory experiences. / In 1924, when the divisional organization of South Dakota State College was completed, the Foods and Nutrition department was established. / The Agricultural Experiment Station funded the first nutrition and foods research. This added an important dimension to the Food and Nutrition Department. Through the years, the curriculum saw many major revisions and was constantly under review to provide courses that had contemporary relevance to the various majors. / In 1955, a program in restaurant management was started. Today, the Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management program provides a firm foundation in both lodging and food service operational management supported by a strong background in business and economics. On-the-job work experience for practicum credit strengthens the academic program. Students are prepared for management careers in hotels, motels, restaurants, private clubs, airlines, and food services in various industrial, health care and school facilities. The dietetics program has seen many changes over the years. Some of these changes include admission to a Dietetic Coordinated Undergraduate Program and eligibility to take the Dietetic Registration Examination upon completion of their undergraduate program. Today, the Nutrition and Food Science-Dietetics Option prepares students for a variety of jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, public health agencies, industries, schools, universities, the armed services, and state, national and international organizations. Through the program in dietetics, students develop understanding and competency in food, nutrition, and management of a dietary department. The curriculum is approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Completion of an internship at one of approximately 155 sites in the U.S. or other ADA approved experience qualifies the student to take the registration exam. / In 1966, food science was added as an option for students. Students in this major had the opportunity to use a variety of equipment and facilities available for teaching and research. Today, the Nutrition and Food Science-Food Science Option prepares students for professional positions in the food processing industry or for graduate study in food science. The program of study is firmly based upon chemistry and the biological sciences. Students find employment as entry-level professionals in the food industry and various federal and state regulatory agencies. / The Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality offers the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management and Nutrition and Food Science (Dietetics and Food Science options) and a minor in Nutrition.

The first catalog of the college, 1884-1885, listed political economy as a course of instruction. Political economy was a common 19th century composite subject, which included not only political science and economics, but sociology as well. During the 1890's, departmental grouping began to be formed and political science courses were included in a succession of departments. In 1905, the Department of History and Political Science was created. This was the administrative home for these two disciplines until they were split in 1967. / Political science courses are designed to achieve several objectives: 1) convey the values and tradition of our democratic governmental institutions and processes and encourage students to assert their talents in preserving and nurturing those values and traditions through participation in the body politic; 2) promote global awareness and understanding; 3) engender critical thinking and a high proficiency in communication skills; 4) serve the other social sciences as a cognate field; 5) provide the student majoring in political science with foundation and advanced courses in the many sub-disciplines of political science which, in turn, will contribute to the student's intellectual growth and occupational pursuits. / Political Science is now merged into the Department of Political, Sciences, Philosophy, and Religion.

The mission of Engineering Extension is to assist the private and public sectors of the state with their technical needs for the purpose of economic development. These programs satisfy these needs: 1) Occupational safety and health surveys of the workplace for any South Dakota employers who request the service. 2) Training workshops and seminars to update skills regarding technical needs and to certify individuals who are required to work under specific government regulations (e.g. asbestos).

The primary function of the Environmental Health and Safety Office is to assist campus personnel in making South Dakota State University [SDSU] a safe learning and working environment for faculty, staff, and students. The office has the responsibility to implement and enforce various regulatory codes pertaining to any such activities, either in the teaching or research environment. The office provides assistance to any department that needs help in assessing their current conditions.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at South Dakota State University develops campus initiatives that demonstrate the valued practice and philosophy of multiculturalism within the university community. Programs and activities developed by the office promote high achievement among the increasing number of minority students at the university. The office enhances and compliments the university mission by broadening the social, cultural, educational and recreational experience of students. The Office of Multicultural Affairs offers support to student of color, implements multicultural and diversity programming, coordinates the National Student Exchange and the Minority Peer Mentor programs and assists in the recruitment of students of color. / The Minority Student Orientation is another program associated with the Office of Multicultural Affairs. This program is for new ethnic minorities (African American, Asian American, American Indian, or Latino) students attending South Dakota State University. This program gives students the opportunity to establish friendships and meet the people who will be there throughout their college education. / Cultural Organizations associated with this office include African Students' Association, Bangladesh Student's Organization, Chinese Students Association, Indian Students' Association, International Relations Club, Arabian Club, Black Student Alliance, Japanese Students' Association, Islamic Cultural Club, Malaysian Students' Association and the Native American Club. Archives related to these and other student organizations are filed under: UA 35 Student Organizations. / The Minority Peer Mentor Program is intended to help ethnic minority students make a successful academic and social transition to life at South Dakota State University and the community of Brookings, S.D. The program is designed to support the students' academic progress and social adjustment to the SDSU environment by utilizing university offices, departments, faculty, staff, programs and student organization to provide assistance, encouragement and practical experiences. / The purpose of this program is to assist the University in maintaining a consistent minority enrollment with a focus on retention and graduation by providing students with a support system that is based on a one-to-one interactive relationship between upper-class students and ethnic minority freshmen students. / The goal of the program is to develop intellectual curiosity, teach academic and time management skills, discuss cultural and diversity issues, and address personal and interpersonal concerns. / The role of a peer mentor is to act as peer advisors to their mentees. They discuss issues, concerns and/or difficulties their mentee is experiencing. Mentors will be responsible for establishing supportive relationships with participating freshmen. They provide resource information and referrals to various campus resources. Mentors serve as role models to incoming freshmen by maintaining high academic standards.

The Office of the President is responsible for regulating and overseeing the general administration of the university. Along with various administrative duties, each year the president prepares an annual report, which is delivered to the Board of Regents. This report generally includes information about past and present university affairs and policies, as well as future plans and suggestions. / Originally, the president performed most of the university's administrative duties. Presidents often were members of the faculty as well. As administrative functions became more complex, the duties of the president were spread among other administrators. The Board of Regents appoints the president of the university.

Richard Wahlstrom graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. Wahlstrom then attended the University of Illinois where he earned a Master’s degree in animal nutrition followed two years later by a Ph.D. in animal nutrition. While at the University of Illinois, Wahlstrom served as a graduate assistant mainly in research. From 1951 to 1952, he pursued research with the Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research. After Merck, Wahlstrom came to South Dakota State College, hired on for researching and teaching Animal husbandry from 1952 to 1959. Wahlstrom became the Head Professor of Animal husbandry in 1959, followed by becoming Head of the Department in 1960 to 1967. Wahlstrom returned once more as the head of the department for the academic year of 1987. / Wahlstrom served in many organizations including Rotary International, First United Methodist Church, and an American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Fellow. / Wahlstrom has received many awards over the years, including being named Teacher of the Year, three times. Other awards and honors include the ASAS Animal Management Award (1976), the SDSU Gamma Signa Delta Award for Research (1980), the F.O. Butler Award for Outstanding Research (1986), the ASAS Animal Industry Service Award (1989), and the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus from SDSU (1988).

Dr. Marcus Stanley Zuber was born January 10, 1912 in Gettysburg, South Dakota to John and Mary Maas Zuber. He received a bachelor's degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University in Brookings and a master's degree and doctorate, both in agronomy, both from Iowa State University in Ames. He was professor emeritus of agronomy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was employed as a research agronomist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture form 1946-1970 and was stationed at MU. / Dr. Zuber was well known for his contributions to corn breeding. His development of tools and techniques and genetically improved populations or inbreds resulting from his research was released to hybrid corn breeders for utilization and improvement of hybrids grown by farmers. Corn inbred lines released from his USDA-ARS project at the University of Missouri, especially Mo17, contributed to the rapid adoption of single-cross corn hybrids having wide adaptability. His development of techniques for measurement or root and stalk strength provide more effective selection tools for hybrid and population improvement, and are now applied in public and private breeding programs. / Marcus S. Zuber was Beta Sigma Psi, Iota Chapter's first faculty advisor at the University of Missouri and served as advisor from 1963-1979. In addition to Beta Sigma Psi, Dr. Zuber was a member of the University of Missouri's Campus Lutheran Church, Golden K Kiwanis Club, the Association of Retired Agricultural Professors and many professional organizations. He received many honors including the MU Faculty Alumni Award in 1972 and Outstanding Educator of America in 1973. In 1983, South Dakota State University conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree upon Dr. Zuber.

The Dakota Farmer first began as a newspaper in 1881, eight years before North Dakota and South Dakota were granted statehood. / It was first published in Alexandria in what is now Hanson County, S.D. The first owner, James Baynes, sold it within the first year of existence to Augustine Davis, and the publication moved to Huron, S.D. Davis sold a half-interest in Dakota Farmer to William Bushnell in 1883. Bushnell became sole owner of Dakota Farmer in 1885. / As editor and manager, Bushnell led Dakota Farmer into its early prominence. The publication, moved to Aberdeen, S.D. in 1893, supported all sorts of agricultural organizations and promoted the development of quality livestock and crops for the Dakotas. Bushnell himself was active in politics and eventually became state statistician for South Dakota. / Over the next century, Dakota Farmer survived and thrived with farmers through good times and bad, and became a well-respected source of information. / Webb Publishing, which published The Farmer, saw Dakota Farmer as a natural fit and purchased the magazine in 1979. / Today, Dakota Farmer is part of Farm Progress Companies. Farm Progress publishes 18 state farm magazines similar to Dakota Farmer. It owns and operates eight farm shows across the nation, including the largest in the nation, The Farm Progress Show.

Norman Paul Gambill was born April 3, 1941 in Dade City, FL, to George Washington Gambill IV and Dorcas (Darling) Gambill. He grew up in Florida and Georgia. / He was a scholar in art history and film studies with degrees from Emory University, the University of Iowa and Syracuse University. His also graduated from Emory at Oxford prep school in Atlanta. / He was an art history professor at the University of Illinois and South Dakota State University where he headed the Visual Arts Department for 26 years, retiring in 2010. / During his 48-year career, he taught thousands of undergraduate students to love art and understand its importance in world history. He also worked with graduate students on courses in Asian art, film art and design, women artists, and international films. / He was an ardent fan of Oscar Wilde and Orson Welles. His lectures and writings about Welles’s groundbreaking film “Citizen Kane” inspired many to take up film studies. His work as a scholar took him around the country giving lectures and around the world sharing his expertise with academics, particularly those who attended the Oxford Roundtable in 2010. / He published articles in scholarly journals and respected film magazines. His work on 1930s films and their importance in the cultural history of the United States is being published in his book, “Ritz and American Mediocrity.” He was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi, the national honor society for those with notable academic accomplishments, in 2006. / His innovative fund-raising events raised money for his department and the Brookings community. With the help of the Visual Arts Group of local volunteers, he founded the annual Evening for the Arts dinner and art auction. The yearly Chocolate Auction held on or around Valentine’s Day raised funds by with an auction of chocolate desserts donated by restaurants and local bakers. Proceeds provided scholarships for art students. / He also co-founded the annual DVAGI, Design and Visual Arts Group Inc., fundraiser in collaboration with the SDSU departments of Visual Arts, Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design, and Horticulture, Forestry and Landscape Design. Money from an auction of designers’ services raised money for students to travel to art and design events across the country. / His reputation for lavish parties carried over to his private life where he served abundant food and wine to friends from Brookings and across the country in his 19th Century house, a showplace for his extensive art collection. / He is survived by his brother Stephen, Palmetto FL; his sister, Janine Dover, Camilla, GA.; two nieces and a nephew. Hundreds of friends also survive and will miss his quick wit and impeccable sense of style. / Dr. Norman P. Gambill, died from heart failure on July 12, 2016, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings.

Born July 13, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois, Geoffrey W. Grant began teaching in South Dakota State University’s Rural Sociology Department in 1977, becoming an Assistant Professor there in 1980. / In 1964, he received his B.S. in Sociology from Carroll College. From the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he received his M.A in Sociology in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Sociology in 1980. / On June 29, 1964, he married Sue S. Grant; later Sue worked for South Dakota State University. They had one child, Jeremy Grant, born November 12, 1971. In 1985, Jeremy was living in Fairfield, Iowa. / Prior to teaching at SDSU, Dr. Grant was an instructor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1968-1970), an Assistant Professor at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa (1970-1972), and an Instructor at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (1972-1975). / During his time at SDSU, Dr. Grant’s responsibilities were 100% in teaching, including these areas of interest: social organization, social change, the family, juvenile delinquency, urban sociology, and sociology of work. / He made at least three extensive trips to China. First in 1979, as a member of a delegation of scholars, researchers and writers assembled by the Eisenhower Foundation for the Prevention of Violence, he was a guest of the Chinese Ministry of Justice for five weeks, touring criminal justice facilities and meeting with Judges, lawyers, etc., in five major Chinese cities. / The second trip in 1987, again with the Eisenhower Foundation, they visited five Chinese cities and met with criminal justice professional, except in Lhasa, Tibet, where they spent five days but with no professional meetings. / In the spring of 2001, Professor Grant was the SDSU faculty exchange professor to Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China, the “City of Eternal Spring.” He taught two classes of junior composition and one senior class in tourism for the English Department. His wife, Sue Grant, taught three classes of English in a neighboring campus of YNU. The semester lasted from February to mid-July. / In 2003, as project of the Brookings Human Rights Committee, Dr. Grant conducted and reported on the “Brookings Human Rights Committee Survey of Discrimination, 2003,” which was to serve as a baseline for measuring trends, change, etc.

Born in Bradley, South Dakota, on March 28, 1917, Barbara Bates Gunderson was the second of the four daughters and two sons of South Dakota newspaper editor Carmon L. Bates and his wife Helen E. (Lyman) Bates. The 1920 US Census lists them in Onida, South Dakota; the 1930 US Census lists them in Redfield, South Dakota, where he owned the Journal Observer Co, until his death there on May 13, 1942. In December 1954, Helen married Charles Whiting Gardner of Hand County, SD; she died August 21, 1978 in Gettysburg, South Dakota. / Barbara Bates worked her way through Yankton College with kitchen, sales girl and newspaper jobs. After graduation, she was the Continuity Director for Yankton’s WNAX radio and also occasionally was “Ma Brown” with the “Neighbor Lady” in the Flying Arrow Ranch Show. She was chief copywriter for the R.J. Potters Advertising Agency, Kansas City, Missouri, when on October 25, 1941, she married Robert W. Gunderson in Jackson, Missouri just prior to his departure in the US Army for the European theater during World War II. Robert “Bob” was born January 10, 1915 in Centerville, SD. The Gunderson’s lived in Omaha before moving to Rapid City in 1947, where Robert established his law practice and Barbara continued free-lancing, radio-script and magazine writing. / In 1952, her political experience began as the Pennington County, South Dakota Vice-Chair with Citizens for Eisenhower and later as the South Dakota state Vice Chair, where she headed up the state-wide volunteer effort to nominate Dwight D. Eisenhower for President. She became a Republican National Committee woman. In 1954, she was the national Co-Chair of the Citizens for Eisenhower Congressional Committee. / In August, 1958, President Eisenhower appointed her to be the fifth ever women Commissioner on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, where she served as the Vice-Chair of the three-member governing board of this federal agency charged with all aspects of the federal personnel system. As Commissioner, she originated the Federal Woman’s Award Program, the first award in Washington, DC, recognizing women in government. While Commissioner, Mrs. Gunderson traveled extensively, visiting federal offices and addressing many audiences. She spoke at the University of California, Los Angeles Symposium on Women and, after her term ended in March, 1961, consulted with federal departments on the Equal Opportunity Act. She was vice-chairman of the President's Advisory on Personnel under President Johnson, and the public member of the Retirement Board of USIA which determined the career advancement of these State Department employees. / In 1973-1974, she ran for the U.S. Senate in the South Dakota Republican Primary. / In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Barbara was a columnist for the Rapid City Journal. She published two romance novels: in 1979, “Love’s Bold Embrace” under the pseudonym Brynn Gilbert, and, in 1981, “Seasoned to Taste” under the pseudonym Benna Gray. / In Rapid City, she served on the Board which united the two hospitals and was Trustee during the building and first operations of Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was President of the Rapid City Library Board at the time of the building of the new library. She was President of the Rapid City branch of AAUW, the Women's Fellowship of First Congregational Church, receiving Honor's Day award from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for conspicuous community service and a "Woman of Worth" award from AAUW. She also served on the YMCA Building Committee, and was a member of the National Board of Pennsylvania Medical College and the Corporate Board of Yankton College. / In 1994, Barbara Bates Gunderson was the only woman participant in an Eisenhower biographical program, "The Contentious Years of The Presidency" televised on the A&E Channel with narrator-host John Chancellor. / Barbara Bates Gunderson died aged 90 on July 29, 2007 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her husband Robert died on January 23, 1994.